Topic: old marantz left channel output is weak

[royc]

I have a marantz pm-44se that I bought used a few years back. I did not use it for several months until yesterday. I noticed that the left channel volume is way softer than the right channel. I interchanged the speaker cables and the left speaker became louder. I used the B speaker terminals and it was the same.

I interchanged the audio source connectors and nothing changed. I tried the aux inputs instead of CD and it was the same. My left channel has a noticeably lower output than my right channel. Source direct is enabled. I can turn it off and adjust the balance, but that would be a temporary fix.

Would you have an idea on the possible cause? Any areas I could check? I am not sure if there is a good audio technician here in Lucena.

[Tempter]

You can try electronics contact cleaner on the volume knob. Or the balance knob.

[royc]

Ang alam ko bypassed ang balance knob pag source direct?

[fentom]

Kumusta na sir amp mo? Mukhang same tayo ng problem. PM 55 naman po sakin

[royc]

Ginagamit ko muna ang balance knob wala pa kasing time and budget para dalhin sa manila for repair. Wala pa kong nakitang maayos na tech dito sa lucena. Pakibalitaan naman ako pag naayos ang sa yo.

[qguy]

Try to clean all  switches and knobs, even the source selector can cause unbalanced sound

[royc]

Two suggestions to try cleaning. Thanks I will try as suggested. BTW is there a difference between an electrical contact cleaner and a plain contact cleaner?

[Tempter]

Two suggestions to try cleaning. Thanks I will try as suggested. BTW is there a difference between an electrical contact cleaner and a plain contact cleaner?

There is, yung electronic normally wala/minimal residue at madaling matuyo, ung hindi madalas parang may oil so matagal matuyo... at kinakapitan ng alikabok.

[royc]

Ah so dapat nga yung pang electronics. Thanks sirs!

[jay john]

Hi sir.
   I try Nyo to clean the speakers relay. There is a video in you tube on how to clean it. Just search for the video instruction. It seems easy you-can- do- it procedure.  Hope this wil help. 

[royc]

Finally had the chance to drop by ACE and buy a contact cleaner. Sprayed generously on all switches, knobs, and speaker connectors, keeping my fingers crossed while waiting for it to completely dry. It worked, the speakers are now balanced! Thanks Tempter, qguy, and jay john!!

On a side note, from time to time I would get a scratchy sound before and the previous owner told me to just turn the selector knob a few times and it fixes the problem. I bought a contact cleaner and sprayed on the knob, but it did not fix the problem. Today I found out that the selector switch I was spraying is just a mechanical switch with a cord that moves the actual switch located near the back. I was cleaning the wrong switch before! I will observe if the previous problem has been fixed.

Fentom, have you tried cleaning?